All positive at the start

If there is one characteristic that is common in the public utterance of sportsmen, it is that of a positive outlook ahead of assignments. Perhaps it is a contrived projection, but elite sportsmen get to the level they occupy by backing themselves to the hilt. So when the Bangladesh squad were leaving yesterday for Sri Lanka for the tri-nation T20I series, there was a positive vibe emanating from a team that has lost four of their last five T20Is and also endured a torrid last six months in the other formats.

There was a lot of optimism from Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah Riyad (L) before the team departed for Sri Lanka yesterday. Photo: STAR/COLLECTED

"The objective, of course, is to win the tournament," said skipper Mahmudullah Riyad at the Shahjalal International Airport before the team's departure. That is a brave statement because not only are T20Is their weakest format, they have lost all five T20Is they have played against one of their tri-series opponents -- India -- while having won just two and lost seven against hosts Sri Lanka.

"But we have a lot to prove and a lot to do to show how well we can do in this format," came the qualifier from Mahmudullah. "I said earlier that there is a question mark over us in this format. I think this [the tri-series] is a very good platform for us to prove ourselves. If we can bring out the best in everyone, then I think it is possible to do something very good."

Mahmudullah, filling in first as Test skipper and then as T20I skipper after Shakib Al Hasan picked up a finger injury in the ODI tri-series final against Sri Lanka on January 27, was aware that recent results -- losses in the tri-series final were followed by heavy defeats to the same opposition in the Test and T20I series -- are not very auspicious.

"Maybe we did not play as well as hoped for in the last series at home," said the right-hander. "But since it is the subcontinent and we have played a fair bit in Sri Lanka, hopefully we will play well."

There were similar noises from the juniors as well. Pacer Taskin Ahmed, dropped from all formats after a disastrous tour of South Africa in September-October last year, said that they were targeting a final spot. Wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan and pacer Rubel Hossain spoke about the need to face challenges and take it upon themselves to turn the ship around. The pace department will be under extra focus as they failed to make an impact in two sordid T20Is against Sri Lanka at home.

"It is a challenge for the pacers too," said Rubel when asked if the challenge was just for batsmen or for the pacers too. "T20s are short, but the pressure is high. I think the wickets in Sri Lanka will be very good [for batting] so we have to bowl sincerely."

While admitting that Shakib's absence will be keenly felt, a positive Mahmudullah saw opportunity in the void left by the talisman. "I think the start for us is very important; I always believe that if we can start well we will get the momentum. I think confidence is boosted in one match and that will impact how you will play in the next matches.

Given that their first match is against mighty India on Thursday, it will be interesting to see how long this positivity lasts.